FIRST PEOPLES' GATHERING HOUSE MONTHLY UPDATE
April 8, 2022
DESIGN UPDATE
The design continues to be refined with increasing construction details for trade pricing. Unstable market conditions and supply chain issues continue to impact construction costs. The project team is assessing the situation and evaluating options to stay resilient given the circumstances.
Stay connected with the Indigenous Student Centre in the coming weeks and look out for an opportunity to participate in a call-out for visual expressions to be displayed on the hoarding fence of the First Peoples’ Gathering House construction site.
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
Planning is happening behind the scenes as the project ramps up to the start of construction targeted this Summer (subject to city of Burnaby permit release date). For example, the project team is looking at ways to build on the land responsibly such as implementing erosion sediment control measures to minimize environmental impacts during construction.
While looking forward to the future at the site of the new First Peoples’ Gathering House, a Ground Awakening Ceremony was held at the start of design for the new building in 2020. Preliminary conversations are underway on planning for another ceremony, before construction begins, in summer 2022.
COMMITTEE UPDATE
The February Stakeholders Group Committee meeting went well with valuable feedback received from Indigenous students, staff and faculty on the options presented on audio-visual systems and furniture to guide the design of the building. The committee has been very helpful and insightful, thank you to everyone who participated in a meaningful way.
Engaging Host Nations has been a priority on the project. Further to the virtual workshops held in October 2020, March 2021 and September 2021 bringing together Elders and Knowledge Keepers from the four Host Nations, SFU is looking forward to welcoming the host nation representatives on campus in-person in April to show our deep appreciation and to seek guidance on several matters related to Reconciliation at SFU.